Liverpool held by Fulham as Iraola says side lacked energy

Liverpool’s slow start under Andoni Iraola continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield, leaving the new coach unbeaten but with three draws from his first four Premier League matches.

The result will increase questions over a side expected to challenge for the title, particularly after another performance in which Liverpool struggled to impose themselves. Their only clear opportunity came when Victor Munoz struck the crossbar with a header.

Fulham arrived having conceded seven goals in their opening three league matches, all of which ended in defeat, but Liverpool were unable to take advantage. The hosts found it difficult to create sustained pressure or establish control during a flat contest.

Liverpool had defeated Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek, but the benefit of that result was not reflected in their performance against Fulham. Iraola admitted his players lacked the sharpness required after the quick return to domestic action.

“Today we lacked a lot of freshness,” said Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot at Anfield in the summer.

“We improved slightly in the second half after we started the first half slow but overall we lacked energy.”

Iraola made three changes to the team that started against Atletico Madrid, bringing Munoz, Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas into the line-up.

The Spaniard acknowledged that the schedule, with the Champions League match on Wednesday evening followed by the Saturday fixture, had not been ideal. However, goalkeeper Alisson said the demanding run of games could not explain what he described as a poor display.

“Collectively, we didn’t play well. Many things we tried to do, we couldn’t do it well,” said the Brazil international.

“Obviously, it’s a big challenge to play Wednesday night and Saturday evening, and you have another game Tuesday. But we need to get the right mentality to do that and I think it wasn’t the case today. We have to improve for the next one.”

Liverpool now face another match on Tuesday, adding to the physical and mental demands of their schedule. Alisson said the squad must respond by showing a stronger mindset and improving their performance in the next game.

For Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa, the point provided encouragement after an intense week and at the club where he previously played with distinction. The draw ended a run of three successive defeats for Fulham at the start of the Premier League season.

“We worked so hard this week, and I’m so happy, not just for the point but for how my players played here,” Arbeloa said.

“And I think this (result) is going to be important for us to believe in our idea. Of course, we need to keep improving.”